In part 5 of extracts from his forthcoming book, Vic Chalcraft remembers some of the old street names – and the tollgate. Vehicle owners would have paid the toll-keeper to access the next stretch of road. The wood fence on the left (pictured) is… Read more

Entries for our ultra short story competition have begun to trickle in. We now have a total of four entries, including Day at the Seaside, The Only Explanation and Terra Firma. Any reader or anyone who lives, works or studies in Bohemia, may enter…. Read more

The following applications affecting properties in Bohemia have been received recently by HBC’s Planning Dept. Full details may be obtained from, and any objections may be lodged with, Hastings Borough Council’s Planning Dept at Century… Read more

This week’s puzzle – £10 prize This week’s puzzle is fairly simple: who was George Monger and what is his connexion with Bohemia? Please send answers to 79, Bohemia Road, Bohemia, Sussex, TN37 6RJ, by Saturday 3rd Feb 2007. The first correct… Read more

The question posed in the last issue involved matching six house names with the streets in which they occurred. The answers are: 1) ‘Captain’s Cottage’ is in Newgate Road. 2) ‘Shirley House’ is in Clarence Road. ‘Lautrec’ is in Upper… Read more

This is a view of Bohemia that most of us will never see for real. Local aerial photographer David Bowie has taken a series of close-up shots of different areas in and around Bohemia. This shot of central Bohemia shows what a crowded community we… Read more

News this week that the Dept of Trade & Industry is suggesting that two and a half to three thousand post offices may have to close in the next few years, doesn’t bode well for Bohemia getting its post office service back. Mr Masood Iqbal,… Read more

It is understood that there are new owners at High Spirits off-licence and newsagents. The new proprietor is believed to be Sri Lankan Mr A Thivakaran. Perhaps he will let us know what the name of the shop will be: High Spirits or News & Booze… Read more

Our local Lidl store has shown itself to be less than courteous to this newsletter. On October 12, 2006, a polite request was sent to the chairman of Lidl, Herr Dieter Schwarz, in Neckersulm, Germany, to leave copies of this newsletter for… Read more

Part 2 of 8 St Peter’s Road resident and technical author Richard Slater recounts his days in Bohemia. . In this second part, Richard describes the 1960s world of computers he entered and how he became a computer engineer, a job which… Read more

The following message was received recently via Neighbourhood Watch. “Has anyone found a silver rear wheel of a Saracen Hazzard pushbike. It is a quick release wheel with a disc brake and all the gear cogs. It was stolen from… Read more

Part 20 (of 24) The story so far … homeless artist and musician Alexandre Schaunard has been traipsing the streets of Paris, trying to borrow a few francs. He meets a philosopher, Gustave Colline and they share a meal. Later, as firm… Read more

I went to a party, And remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mum, So I had a Sprite instead. I felt proud of myself, The way you said I would, That I didnt drink and drive, Though some friends said I should. I made a healthy… Read more

An art exhibition is being put together for Ron Beauchamp, who died five years ago in Bohemia, aged 70. Ron had moved down from London just three years previously and left a number of paintings, photographs and drawings which are only now being… Read more

At the December committee meeting of the Bohemia Area Association, the fixed agenda item provoked a wide ranging discussion. Following an illustrated presentation by chairperson Peter Holland, all the members agreed that the proposal for a gyratory… Read more

How much does it cost to repair a window? “An arm and a leg,” according to Kevin Miller, general manager of Horntye Park Sports Complex. A ‘Nationwide’ cherry-picker was used this week to remove a small pane of double… Read more

St Peter’s Road resident Mel Fisher has had a year long battle with British Gas – and it looks like she might have won. The cheeky company tried to foist an £800 gas bill on her, but Mel fought back and with the help of Energywatch,… Read more

Park Road Church’s new vestibule, opened in July this year has sprung a leak – several in fact. The £170,000 extension to the front of the church, made possible by a generous donation from the Mabel Whitworth fund, has found the recent… Read more

Our local chemists has been sold – to a chemists chain from Folkestone. “It happened on Friday 1st December,” said resident pharmacist, Stan Steadman, “I’m a bit cross with the previous owners for keeping us in the dark… Read more

This week’s puzzle – £10 prize The task this week is to match six house names with the six roads they’re in. The house names are 1) Captain’s Cottage, 2) Shirley House, 3) Lautrec, 4) Hell’s Corner, 5)Mallards and 6) Dennison. The… Read more

Lise the Bohemian by Renoir. The question posed in the last issue was ‘Who painted the picture above and what is its connexion with Bohemia?’ The artist was French impressionist Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), and the connexion is its title, The… Read more

Can you spare time or money to help make sure the lonely and less well off have a good Christmas? ‘Surviving Christmas’ held at the YMCA on Dec 25, 26 and 27still needs volunteers – and/or funds. Contact Judith on… Read more

First entry in our Ultra Short Story competition has arrived, and at just 31 words it is a very short story indeed. But, as author Vic Chalcraft claims, it does contain religion, poverty, love, class, suspense … and sex. The entire work is printed… Read more

Definition: an ultra short story is one with a maximum of 250 words; the stories can be on any subject. You can make as many different entries as you like. There is no restriction on theme or style. Stories must not have been published previously…. Read more

Part 1 of 8 St Peter’s Road resident and technical author Richard Slater recounts his days in Bohemia. . In this first part, he describes the world political situation he encountered on leaving university in 1963. When I graduated… Read more

How do Gensing crime figures compare to the rest of Hastings & St Leonards? From the beginning of October, up to November 27th, Bohemia Village Voice has been monitoring the crimes reported by Neighbourhood Watch by e-mail. During this period… Read more

The following applications affecting properties in Bohemia have been received recently by HBC’s Planning Dept. Full details may be obtained from, and any objections may be lodged with, Hastings Borough Council’s Planning Dept at Century… Read more

The National School in St Paul’s Road. Vic Chalcraft writes (Dec 2006) Children attending senior school could in some cases get school dinners but I can’t recall it happening in junior school, though we did have milk. Schooling was sound…. Read more

Dee Jones street party in July 1986. Were you one of the 78 people outside the North Star pub? Let us know using the numbered key. Use this numbered key to let us know if you or a friend were at the street party in July 1986. Newgate Road… Read more

Jim Proudfood – compiling a history of pop music. Jim wants your help. Jim Proudfoot, 43, of St Paul’s Road, is compiling a book of Hastings’ pop history over the last half a century and wants people who attended the various gigs to get in… Read more

A complimentary 2007 Calendar should accompany this copy of Bohemia Village Voice. The picture of Bohemia was taken in October by St Leonards’ aerial photographer David Bowie. It is hoped to publish further views of Bohemia… Read more

Amended plans for Salisbury Yard were approved by Hastings Council’s Planning Dept on November 8th. Permission to demolish the existing workshops and garages at Salisbury Yard and to erect five terraced houses and two commercial units was… Read more

Appliance Master frontage, kindly displaced by the Germans in WWII. The question posed in the last issue was ‘What is the connexion between a) Germany’s Adolf Hitler and b) the small apron in front of Appliance Master, in Bohemia Road,… Read more

Stewart Buchan writes (Nov 2006) Dear Sir, I’d like to report that the heron which nests in Alexandra Park is back. I saw it on the morning of Thursday 9th November 2006. It seems to use the park in the winter time. Stewart Buchan, Amherst… Read more

Anthony’s Furniture Shop in London Road is trying something different: new furniture. “I can sell it cheaper than the second hand variety.” says Anthony. “For example, a chest of six drawers is just £55 (pictured) and… Read more

SUSSEX DAY. A notification from the Association of British Counties says “After much consultation, Sussex Day has been fixed as the 16th June, feast day of St Richard, thirteenth century Bishop of Chichester and patron saint of Sussex. Moves… Read more

Aldborough Road resident and professional dance teacher Vivienne Bond talks about herself, her family and her non-stop life as our Lib-Dem councillor. She also reveals a secret passion … and why she hates ‘Borat’. Vivienne went to… Read more

Keith Young is Horntye Park’s new financial manager in post for just over a month. He describes himself as a ‘finance professional’ recognised by the Chartered Insitute of Public Finance Accountants). His speciality is in… Read more

Now official – Shornden Passage. Written by John Humphries (Nov 2006) A Bohemia twitten has been named. It’s taken 100 years for Shornden Passage, which runs between Upper Park Road and Upper South Road to officially acquire its… Read more

by Vic Chalcraft. Part 3 of extracts from Vic’s forthcoming book Staying within Bohemia one could be born, married and buried without leaving. Everything could be found here to cater for everyday needs: butcher, baker, was there a… Read more

by John Humphries (Nov 2006) Yes, Elvis, in the person of councillor Richard Stevens (pictured) of Bayeux Court, got down and belted out the old favourites in the Old Town two weeks ago. The event was Boogie for Bangladesh and the funds raised… Read more

Derek Norcross at Shades Theatre Company in 2005. Derek Norcross was killed last week in a car accident. Reports vary, but according to one, he was in Robertsbridge, on Friday 10 November, walking to… Read more

The Bohemia Area Association held its November meeting at the YMCA at the beginning of the month. Although an ‘open’ meeting, only two members of the public attended. Beverly Winchester (pictured) attended from the Gensing &… Read more

Get out your keyboards, or your pens and paper and write an ultra short story. An ultra short story is one with a maximum of 250 words. There’s a first prize of £25 cash, a second prize of £10 and a third prize of a £5 token… Read more

The following applications have been received recently by Hastings Borough Council’s Planning Dept. All affect properties in Bohemia, and all are for full planning permission. (Reg = registration date; con = date public consultation is due to… Read more

By John Humphries (Nov 2006) A man was seen rummaging through an Aldborough Road resident’s dustbin on Tuesday of this week. He was chased up the road but wasn’t caught. “It might have been an attempt at identity theft,” said Vic… Read more

Briscoes Walk saucers….The Voice would like a cup of tea to match. The question posed in the last issue was ‘Where in Bohemia are the large white saucers, pictured above, located?’ The answer is Briscoe’s Walk which runs from Horntye… Read more

J C McFee writes (Nov 2006) Hello, My name is JC McFee, I am the co-ordinator of Respond, a young people’s showcase. Did you know about all the Bohemia talent drawing in people from the whole of Hastings? The young people involved in Respond… Read more

CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL. A parents/carers’ survey shows a high satisfaction rating. The latest, July poll shows that 99% of parents or carers are aware that the school is a church school, and 98% believe it is a caring place with a clear Christian… Read more

All three town houses being built in Spring Street are ‘under offer’, says Ian Davies of Abbey Gate Properties in Battle, who is marketing the properties. The three, 2-bedroomed, terraced homes, collectively known as ‘Spring… Read more

Well-known local garage mechanic Len Gray is hanging up his spanners. Len, who has worked at Bohemia Motors in Upper South Road for the last 26 years, (sixteen of them for current owner Ray Morgan), is planning to retire on December 31. “I… Read more

Allena Tyrell, at home. Local artist Allena Tyrell is interviewed by John Humphries Allena Tyrell lives and works in Horntye Road, Bohemia. Her home is tidy with piles of papers and documents neatly stacked up. A computer sits on an… Read more

By Vic Chalcraft. Part 2 of extracts from Vic’s forthcoming book There were two landmarks that somehow dominated Bohemia, both sadly now gone. One of course was the tower in Lower South Road which dominated the skyline. Built as a… Read more

19 of 24 The story so far … homeless artist and musician Alexandre Schaunard has been traipsing the streets of Paris, searching for anyone from whom he can borrow a few francs. He meets a philosopher, Gustave Colline, they share a meal… Read more

Have you ever fancied a flamingo? desired a duck? hankered after a heron? These and many other birds are available, in plastic form, from the Outdoorsman in Bohemia Road. Alan, founder, and owner for the last 25 years of this specialist store, says… Read more

Reason seemed to go out of the window when Bookman’s Halt received a delivery of books earlier this year. Clive Linklater, owner of the bookshop recounts the story. “A chap pulled up outside my shop in Bohemia Road and unloaded a box of… Read more

Mr Iqbal’s application for an off-licence has been approved – but with strict conditions. He plans to open his new ‘Foodmarket’ in Bohemia Road, at the Lullabuys site, by mid-December and had applied for a licence to sell alcohol…. Read more

Yes, Elvis (or local councillor Richard Stevens as he is better known), is being resurrected tonight as part of a fund-raising effort to provide water wells in Bangladesh. Richard, who lives in Bayeux Court, Bohemia Road, has been involved in the… Read more

Results from this year’s Companion Dog Show have been received from organiser Ann Adams of Hassan Pet Food Supplies. “We had 135 entries for the competition and raised £455 for the Sophie Munro Trust Fund,” said Ann…. Read more

The question posed in the last issue was ‘Can you name the three people commemorated by blue plaques affixed to buildings in Bohemia?’ The answers are: 1. Author Noel Streatfield (1895 to 1896) at St Peter’s vicarage in Cornfield Terrace. 2…. Read more

In our last issue, we referred to Mr Vic Chalcraft, of Aldborough Road, as a ‘machine minder’. We now know that this is not the case. He was an assistant machine minder. A trivial detail? “No, the jobs were entirely different – we… Read more

Vic Chalcraft writes (Oct 2006). As a person living in Bohemia for many years, I must put my objection to the use of the word ‘Village’ both in the heading of the newsletter and also in your address. To my knowledge, Bohemia was never known as… Read more

ST PAUL’S SCHOOL. St Paul’s School in Horntye Road has raised £120 for Macmillan Cancer Relief. Parents and children were involved in the Harvest Festival event, and each child donated one item of food. GORDON BUSBRIDGE. This… Read more

October’s meeting of the committee of the Bohemia Area Association took place on Thursday 5 October. Before the meeting proper started, two members of the public who had come hoping to attend, were requested to leave. But they were invited to… Read more

Will Bohemia get its new supermarket by Christmas. Bohemia Food-market owner, Masood Iqbal is forecasting mid-December as the opening date for his new store located at the site of Lullabuys pram shop in Bohemia Road. “The flooring is… Read more

18 of 24 The story so far … homeless artist and musician Alexandre Schaunard has been traipsing the streets of Paris, searching for anyone from whom he can borrow a few francs. He meets a philosopher, Gustave Colline, they share a meal and,… Read more

Bill (pictured above) and Mieke Third of St Peter’s Road are confidently predicting a bumper grape harvest this year. “We normally get about 14kg of grapes, but this year it’s going to be about 30kg,” said Mieke. “I… Read more

Ex-St Paul’s teacher and passionate local historian Ken Brooks is interviewed for ‘Bohemia Village Voice’. This final part of covers his childhood battle with osteomyelitis, bullying at work, and his struggle to get… Read more

Do you remember the story of Bookman’s Halt and the Vogue model covered back in the August 5 of Bohemia Village Voice? At the time, our printed circulation was a very modest 7, so you may have missed it! At last you can see for yourself… Read more

Part 1 of a series of extracts from Vic’s forthcoming book Out of school hours: this was of their own making and seasonal. Winter was sliding on ice formed on large puddles and you were not welcome on a slide if you had studs in your boots -… Read more

A removal van crashes into front garden. In the early hours of Thursday 5 October, a blue removal van careered out of control into the front garden of number 58 Chapel Park Road, failing to wake the occupants of the house. Paula… Read more

New owners took over at the Café 67, in Bohemia Road this week. The Voice caught up with Sue and Lorraine after closing time on Tuesday of this week. “It’s our first day and it’s been manic – we haven’t stopped since… Read more

The Bohemia Area Association has told the Bohemia Village Voice ‘No photos please’. Following a suggestion from the Voice that pictures of committee meetings be taken and published, the BAA explained in a letter that the members are… Read more

Work has started at St Peter’s Place (32/33, St Peter’s Road) on new brick walls, piers, iron railings and iron gates. Builders Dovetails Construction expect the project to be completed in 4 weeks. Other work being carried out… Read more

Work has begun in earnest at Hastings Police Station in Bohemia Road. The front office is undergoing a ‘major new rebuild’, which will last up to 26 weeks. The end result will be ‘a brand new facility for visitors to the police… Read more

CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL Unnamed lost property has been causing the school ‘a huge problem’: in just six weeks last term, ten black sacks were accumulated. “We do not have storage for the amount of clothing left behind.” If… Read more

ADVERTISE HERE This 1 cm block is just £1.00, prepaid. Send payment with wording to BV by 17 Oct. ADVERTISE HERE. The cost of this 2 cm block is just £1.80. Please send cash/cheque with wording to reach Bohemia Village Voice at 33, St… Read more

Q. There are at least three blue plaques on different buildings in Bohemia. Can you give the names of the three people commemorated? There’s a £10 prize, (kindly donated by Empress Art of Tower Road), to the sender of the first correct… Read more

Last weeks mystery anchor. Where is this anchor and chain located? It has been sitting in the car park at Hastings Museum for “a good five years,” said Alison Hawkins, of the museum staff. “Its acquisition was suggested by local historian… Read more

17 of 24 The story so far … homeless artist and musician Alexandre Schaunard has been traipsing the streets of Paris, searching for anyone from whom he can borrow a few francs. He meets a philosopher, Gustave Colline, they share a meal and… Read more

Anyone wishing to play badminton mid-week should consider joining the Horntye Badminton Club. The dozen or so members meet at Horntye Park on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 10:00am. There’s no joining fee, the only cost being £1.20 for the court…. Read more

As new boss Kevin Miller begins to take over the running of Horntye Park sports centre, former acting manager John Ball announces his ‘charity plans’. “I want to develop the charity side of Horntyes activities.” What charity… Read more

“Why is the gate (at Horntye Road) to Horntye Park kept closed?” asks a local lady resident. Bohemia Village Voice addressed her query to John Ball at the sports centre. “It used to be kept open for parents to come in via… Read more

Richard Slater writes (Oct 2006) Dear Sir, Firstly, may I compliment you on Bohemia Village Voice – it is rare now to receive anything written in good, error-free English. I also like the new format of a folded A3 sheet, and that it is well… Read more

3 of 4 Ex-St Paul’s teacher and passionate local historian Ken Brooks is interviewed for ‘Bohemia Village Voice’. Part 3 of Ken’s story – his love of geology, his hatred of Big Brother and his anger at… Read more

For those with a love of numbers, here are Bohemia Village Voice stats for the period May to September, this year. First edition published: May 18. Total number of editions published: 38. Total pages: 85. Total stories or items covered: 240. Total… Read more

A dog show in aid of Sophie Munro who suffers from the rare Angleman syndrome, is being held this month at the YMCA in St Paul’s Road. Ann Adams of Hassan Pet Supplies organises the show each year to raise funds for her grand-daughter who was… Read more